Oakland County to pay $25K in deaf lifeguard case

PONTIAC (AP) — Oakland County has agreed to pay $25,000 to settle a lawsuit by a deaf lifeguard who said he was a victim of discrimination after losing a job offer.

Nicholas Keith claimed Oakland County violated a federal law that protects people with disabilities. He’s deaf and unable to speak.

Keith was offered a job at a wave pool in 2007, but the offer was dropped after officials talked to risk consultants. Keith can use a cochlear implant to detect noises, whistles and people calling for him.

County attorney Keith Lerminiaux says the case was settled to avoid the higher cost of fighting it at trial, which was set for Tuesday. An appeals court in January had reinstated the lawsuit.